Stockton

Stockton is a 10 year old happy go lucky Boxer who began therapy at Integrative Pet Care in February after being diagnosed with Degenerative Myleopathy (DM). DM is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that begins with a loss of coordination (ataxia) in the hind limbs which will eventually progress to additional areas of the body. While there isn’t a cure for DM, physical rehabilitation can be helpful in maintaining mobility.

His parents Sebastian and Shannon had heard of Integrative Pet Care’s amazing staff and services through numerous people, so it was a no brainer to make an appointment. Stockton met with Dr. Deanne Zenoni who created a treatment plan which consisted of exercise, massage, laser therapy, massage, and acupuncture. It was then that he met his main therapist Lindsey and they created an instant bond.

“Stockton learned pretty early on how to manipulate me into feeding him near-constant treats, but I learned how to use his determination to my advantage. I feel like we make a pretty good pair! He’s a really hard worker when he’s here and the support he gets from his parents at home has really helped keep him as strong as possible”

Stockton’s therapy doesn’t end at IPC. His parents were taught exercises and massage to do at home, as well how to perform electrical stimulation (neuromuscular e-stim), which can be helpful in strengthening muscles and preventing atrophy.

“To say that Stockton loves the staff would be a huge understatement! He literally whines and cries for attention while waiting to start his appointment and we can barely get him to leave once he’s done!” -Sebastian

A typical day includes lots of snoozing, watching his TV programs, and performing his neighborhood watch duties, preferable at the Park. He also uses his striking good looks to constantly trick his Mom and Dad into giving him treats! His parents also feel that IPC has kept Stockton active mentally and physically through a wide array of treatments that he excitedly looks forward to each day.

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Stockton would like to give a shout out to One Tail At A Time.

One Tail at a Time (“OTAT”) is a no-kill, 501(c)3 all-breed dog rescue committed to lowering euthanasia rates in the greater Chicagoland area. OTAT achieves this through the rescue and adoption of dogs in need, comprehensive support of adopters, and community outreach including humane education programs and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families.

Grace

We met Grace two weeks after having a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery in June to repair a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL). She had been an incredibly active dog her entire life, so her parents were ready and willing to get her back into shape. They had previously been to IPC with another dog, so they knew it was the place to go!

An eight week custom rehab plan was created by Dr. Megan Ridley which started with massage and laser to reduce inflammation and swelling. Grace and her brothers had always competed in agility and swimming was a favorite activity, so it was a happy day for all when she was given the clearance to start the underwater treadmill! Since her parents were so diligent with home exercise, massage, and restriction, Grace looked better and better every week.

“IPC has been extremely beneficial in getting her back to her normal self in a relatively short period of time.” -Grace’s dad Andy

Andy also gave us a glimpse into her daily life: “Her day begins with a long walk around the neighborhood, then back home for breakfast, which she’s usually barking at me because I’m either doing it wrong or not making it fast enough. While I’m at work she spends most of the day sleeping and resting up for our nightly adventures which include trips to Begyle Brewing where her mom works, or to other restaurant or tavern patios in the neighborhood. She is more than happy to roll over on her back for belly rubs and/or squinting her eyes when she sees someone she knows and really likes, especially all her girlfriends at IPC: Caitlin, Liz, Lindsey, Erin, Renee, Sarah, and Hannah (to name a few).”

“I am always greeted with a goofy grin, squinted eyes and a happy tail which keeps wagging throughout her entire appointment. Grace and her parents are a pleasure to work with!” -Lindsey, CCRA, CCMT

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Grace would like to give a shout out to As Good As Gold.

As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois is dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of Golden Retrievers and golden mixes who are in need. In addition, As Good as Gold educates Golden Retriever guardians and the general public about the importance of spaying/neutering, positive training methods, diet and exercise, appropriate medical treatment and humane care

Mosby

Mosby first came to Integrative Pet Care a year ago at the recommendation of a friend who had come for years with their Great Dane. Mosby was getting weaker in his hind limbs and there was some worry that he was painful. He met with Dr. Ridley who devised a custom rehabilitation program which included pain management modalities: laser, massage and acupuncture. Exercises were then introduced to start strengthening his hind limbs. When Dr. Ridley felt he was strong enough, he started the underwater treadmill!

“Before coming to Integrative, Mosby had trouble standing on hardwood floors (his back legs would slide apart), had trouble going down stairs – sometimes falling, and was just generally unstable on his feet. Now Mosby stands and walks great on wood floors (generally avoiding the yoga mats we have sown for him) and gets down the stairs well on his own. He is more playful and has more energy. He even jump into our bed and into the car on occasion – even when we are trying to keep him from doing so!” -David, Mosby’s dad

Mosby has continually done well with his therapies! He now has weekly sessions of either underwater treadmill and exercise/laser and acupuncture.

“Mosby’s typical day starts off by getting up early and dragging me down the stairs to get breakfast. Then he likes to lounge around the house, mostly on his bench in the front window where he can keep an eye on things and go crazy barking at the occasional cat of rabbit. During this time he gets a couple walks which he finds very exciting, then after a nice nap I come home and it’s time for dinner. After dinner he basically naps until bedtime where he (usually) waits for me to put him in bed with Cathy and I even though he will eventually get down and sleep the rest of the night in his favorite chair.” -David

“Watching Mosby’s improvement over the past year has been incredibly rewarding. He has gone from slipping on the floors and walking wobbly to doing a sit up and beg all on his own, which is not an easy task!” -Laura, Mosby’s therapist

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Mosby has asked us to tell you about CRISP.

CRISP provides free services to help Chicago pet owners keep their pets rather than surrendering them. And if we can’t help you find a way to keep your pet, our network of Chicago dog and cat lovers will help you place them immediately with a rescue group or no-kill shelter to bypass the city shelter completely.

Gigi

Integrative Pet Care was recommended by Gigi’s primary care veterinarian after she went through a series of health setbacks. She was recovering from her 2nd failed Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) surgery on her right leg, and had a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) on her left. She was also in the middle of treatment for Steroid-Responsive Meningitis. Gigi was limping, in pain, bloated, and had gained 10lbs from the high dose of steroids. She was grumpy all the time, had no interest in balls, which were her LIFE pre-illness and surgery.

Amy brought Gigi in for an evaluation where she met with Dr. Megan Ridley. She was prescribed a program which consisted of pain management modalities like laser and massage in the beginning, which Gigi could not get enough of! Once her pain was under control, exercise and underwater treadmill were introduced for weight loss and strengthening. Gigi has done incredibly well with her therapies and has remained stable.

IPC’s policy of allowing pet owners to attend therapy sessions and learn how to continue therapy at home from therapists was essential in Gigi’s transformation. She gets so excited to see Doris for her weekly hydrotherapy. -Amy

Since starting therapy, Gigi went from only being able to slowly walk for 3 minutes on the treadmill to walking at an incline for 20 minutes. She is so much happier and feels much more confident and strong with walking and running around. Ball is life again!

Today Gigi spends most of her day with a ball in her mouth. She loves to play fetch, tug of war, and will finally let it go to have it thrown again. Repeat a thousand times. When not playing with her ball, Gigi enjoys napping in the sun, pressing her face against the window during her neighborhood watch shifts, and manipulating people into giving her what she wants with her big sad eyes and baby like cry. She is silly, goofy, and has a way of making everyone she meets feel like the most important and exciting person in the world in that moment.” -Amy

“Amy and Gigi are such a great duo who I always look forward to working with!” -Doris, Gigi’s therapist

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Gigi has asked us to tell you about CRISP.

CRISP provides free services to help Chicago pet owners keep their pets rather than surrendering them. And if we can’t help you find a way to keep your pet, our network of Chicago dog and cat lovers will help you place them immediately with a rescue group or no-kill shelter to bypass the city shelter completely.

Brita

“Brita came into our lives in March or April of 2013 when ALIVE Rescue rescued her from Chicago Animal Care and Control (along with her sister, Winnie – also a previous IPC patient – Hi, Winnie!). After her previous foster families were no longer able to foster her, she weaseled her way into our home. Brita doesn’t like other dogs, so it was difficult to find a forever home for her. She spent the next 2 years with ALIVE, during which time we fostered her off-and-on when we could. Adopting her wasn’t practical in our apartment, but my husband Ryan, our dog Bubbles and I always had a special connection with Brita and knew she belonged with us, so we began looking at buying a house. We finally adopted her in February of 2015, and moved into our new home in June of 2015.

Brita has been coming to IPC since she ruptured her left CCL almost a year ago. She eventually had bilateral Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA) surgeries and has been coming for laser, massage, exercise, and underwater treadmill ever since. She quickly regained range of motion and muscle mass due to her therapies. Beyond that, though, it has helped with her mental state – Brita LOVES coming to IPC to see her Auntie Laura and other friends. She knows she will get so much love, attention, and treats there every time – she gets so excited when we go to the car!

We chose IPC mainly because of it’s reputation in the canine rehab world (my husband’s cousin, a canine rehab therapist in Tulsa, even knew of IPC by reputation). Also, I knew several of the employees from my time volunteering with ALIVE, so I knew they were good people! Another reason we decided to go to IPC is the accommodations they make for Brita’s dog reactivity – the staff always makes sure to keep everyone as safe and stress-free as possible when we come, which I really appreciate.

Brita spends most of her day on our couch watching tv. In the evenings, she greets us with her trademark “Rooooooo!” She then spends time in the yard, where she LOVES playing in the neighbor’s sprinkler that sprays into our yard. She also enjoys barking at passing dogs or people on the sidewalk, and rolling in the grass. If Brita had her choice, she would spend the majority of her time outside – I often have to either coax her in with treats or physically pick her up, since the bones seem to leave her body when I tell her its time to come in. She likes to play fetch with toys (balls are her favorite), and tearing up cardboard boxes is her favorite thing in the world. Well, that and Ritz crackers. She also enjoys spinning around on the bed like a maniac, rolling around on the floor like a weirdo, and dashing at full speed around the house for no reason. At night, she sleeps under the covers, next to my feet.” -Cisely, Brita’s mom

CRISP provides free services to help Chicago pet owners keep their pets rather than surrendering them. And if we can’t help you find a way to keep your pet, our network of Chicago dog and cat lovers will help you place them immediately with a rescue group or no-kill shelter to bypass the city shelter completely.

Live Like Roo Foundation supports dogs and their owners through a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional assistance. We also love senior dogs.

Sasha

Sasha is a 15 year old chow mix who first pranced through our doors hoping to find relief for her arthritis which was starting to slow her down about 5 years ago. She was prescribed a treatment plan which consisted of twice weekly strengthening modalities such as resistance pool and exercise, as well as acupuncture, massage and laser therapy which were used for pain management. Sasha began to improve, so she was put on a once weekly program and underwater treadmill was added.

Her mom Beth gave us history on Sasha, as well as a glimpse into her daily life: “I went to the Anti-Cruelty Society on Grand Ave. in May 2003 because they had advertised some cute puppies on the news. I told myself I wouldn’t adopt unless a dog really made an impression on my heart. When I got there, all the puppies were gone so I took a lap around all the cages. None of them seemed right for me. As I was leaving I took a look in the waiting area and spotted a lady and her son playing with a little peach fuzzball. That lady had my dog! As fate would have it, they put her back. I swooped in and took her from her cage and sat with her. She was mine from the first moment and has been my precious best friend for 15 years.

Sasha starts pacing at 6:30am which is my alarm clock. I start my coffee and line up her many pills to shove down the chute (she doesn’t fall for the “pills wrapped in something yummy trick”). She’s loaded into the wagon for a ride to the park to see her neighborhood friends. (She can’t walk to the park and back anymore so we need a little help from the wagon everyday). Once we’re done socializing and I get ready for work, she’s off to daycare (Pooch hotel) where she gladly comes to hang out with her “school friends.” She hangs there while I work. I pick her up, get her daily report and head home in time for dinner. It’s a long day for her so she snoozes most of the evening, gets endless kisses and hugs from mom, a couple chews on her beloved bully sticks, with her ice packs on her back and the Assisi loop targeted at her poor joints. Last pills of the day and off to bed.

Sasha has had joint issues, elbows and rear legs since she was 6 yrs old. She had a TPLO surgery on back right leg, cruciate ligament on left rear leg, an elbow replacement on her front right elbow and two arthroscopic procedures in her left front elbow to remove bone fragments from osteoarthritis. Needless to say my girl has had a rough go on all four legs— mobility and limited pain relief options—brought our Vet to recommend IPC. And I’m so glad she did!

With Sasha’s all four limbs being affected with stiffness and pain and her limited options with pain medications, we had to explore other ways to manage her pain and assist her with mobility so she can live her best life. Sasha immediately fell in love with Emma and will do anything she asks Sasha to do and Dr. Zenoni has given Sasha such care. Sasha has done water treadmill, laser therapy, floor exercises, laser therapy, tens machine and acupuncture. Regardless of the therapy, Sasha is willing to try it all if Emma and her I ask her to. Liver treats don’t hurt either!

IPC has been a godsend and a necessary part of her life for the last 3 years.

Sasha has beaten the odds all her life. Within a month of adopting her at 10 weeks old, she contracted parvovirus and was given a 50/50 chance of survival. It was a rough beginning but she made it through and has withstood 10 surgeries for her many joint and other ailments throughout her life. Through it all, she has faced every hurdle with bravery, sweetness and some of that Chow stubbornness. I’ve learned so much about life and myself through her eyes and in a blink 15 years has passed by. I thank God everyday that she’s my girl—I just couldn’t have pictured my life without her.”

Sasha is a special lady who I look forward to seeing every week. She has been through so much and I’m proud to be part of her team! -Emma, Sasha’s therapist

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Since she is a sassy senior herself, Sasha has asked us to tell you about Young at Heart.

Young at Heart’s mission is to rescue and rehome senior dogs and cats, to educate the public on the benefits of adopting older pets and their care, and to reduce the euthanasia rate for adoptable senior pets.

Dallas

Dallas is a sweet, seven year old pit mix who started coming to IPC over a year ago. She had been diagnosed with chronic Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tears in both knees and her mom Harmony was looking for an alternative to surgery. She met with Dr. Zenoni and Lindsey for an evaluation and since she was stable at the time, a treatment plan was prescribed. Unfortunately Dallas re-injured her left leg and surgery was ultimately recommended.

Dallas had a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedure on her left knee and came back to IPC shortly after to restart therapy. Dallas came twice weekly for therapies that included laser, massage, exercise, and underwater treadmill. Dallas did great with her therapies and genuinely loved coming!

“We have been coming to IPC for a year now, and not only has it helped Dallas through therapy, but been such a big help with me as a dog mom- I have learned so much. Dallas has done amazing with her progress, and had fun with it.” -Harmony

Since Dallas recovered so well after her left TPLO surgery, it was decided that she should have her right knee done as well in January. So again, Dallas came back to us immediately after surgery and started the process over again. Dallas looks fantastic, but still comes regularly as part of our maintenance club.

Harmony told about when she first met Dallas: “On Christmas Day 2012 my brothers and I were heading to a movie. As we were circling the parking lot we almost hit a dog passing through. WE stopped and got her to come over to us. She had clearly been on the streets for some time, she was malnourished, had some open wounds and clearly just run down. We were able to give her some water and a passerby gave us a McDonalds cheeseburger to give her. We took her home to my mom’s house and kept her in the garage for a few days while we slowly tried to integrate her pack of ten dogs. The following April after trying to find a home for her to no avail. My step dad called me and said “come get your dog,” as I had very clearly bonded with her from the beginning and the visit I had a couple months after we found her. So April of 2013, I flew to California and we made our way to Chicago, and started and tradition of cross country road trips that we love to take together.”

Today Dallas is back to being her normal self. “She loves to take 3-4 walks a day. We love to walk down the street and sit outside the bakery and soak up the morning sun. She very often accompanies me on running errands. Now that the weather has broken and her knee has healed we LOVE to go on different adventures at the forest preserves. Every summer we take a road trip to Colorado to visit family and stay at our family cabin in the mountains. Once she gets the green light she will be back at K9 University for daycare playing with all of her friends, or heading to the dog park.” -Harmony

“It’s so much fun to work with Dallas. She has an opinion about everything and prefers belly rubs to sitting still for massage, but she always works hard and comes back for more. She’s regrown almost all of her muscle back after two TPLO surgeries, and I couldn’t be more proud of her!” –Lindsey, Dallas’ therapist and biggest fan

Make a difference!

Creating safe and humane communities by inspiring positive relationships between people and animals. Safe Humane is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Bialy’s Wellness Foundation helps families and rescue organizations care for pets with special needs, particularly those with mobility issues from paralysis, amputation, neurological or birth defects, and other diagnosed ailments.

Sarge

Sarge came to Integrative Pet Care in November 2015 when his parents Matt and Tabitha noticed that he was slowing down and dragging his hind limbs on walks. Sarge started a rehabilitation program which included weekly therapeutic exercise, underwater treadmill, laser therapy, and acupuncture sessions.

Sarge did fantastic with his therapies and his parents noticed a difference, plus he LOVES coming! “Sarge’s weekly highlight is his visit to IPC, which he vocalizes with an indescribable howl as he enters the lobby every time” says Matt.

After completing his formal program, Sarge continued coming weekly for therapies which all parties enjoy immensely! “Sarge is definitely a patient I look forward to seeing each week. He has a fantastic attitude and will do anything you ask of him. Plus he has parents who have gone above and beyond for his care as he ages.” -Sarge’s therapist, Erin Kowalski

Matt told us about when they first got Sarge: “we had always wanted a Pug and had already picked out the name “Sargent Slaughter”, but the apartment we were living in didn’t allow pets. A move to a different apartment in the summer of 2006 allowed us to realize this dream. Coincidentally, we met a couple who owned a handsome Pug, and they referred us to their breeder. A short time later, in August 2006, we drove home from Marengo, IL, with Sarge in tow.

Sarge mainly sleeps all day long. If there is a human around, he will whine until he has their lap taken over for his slumber. If weather is permitting, he will be taken on a walk around the block by one of us in his cart. Otherwise he is found snoring in our bed or on the couch while we go about our lives.”

Integrative Pet Care was an obvious option for Sarge’s needs as the employees were warm and affectionate with Sarge from the get go, and they have provided a high level of support and care for his special needs. – Matt

Sarge was fitted for one of our loaner carts and it has vastly improved his mobility- “The cart has been a game changer for Sarge and us. We can now take him on longer walks either around the neighborhood or up on the 606. We put him in it around the house a few times a day, and it gives him the best option to zoom around like a younger Pug.” -Matt

Bella

After completing a rehabilitation program following a tibial tuberosity advancement surgery (TTA) to repair her left torn Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) at another clinic, Bella’s mom Christy switched to IPC at the recommendation of a friend. Bella met with Dr. Megan Ridley and Laura who prescribed an 8 week treatment plan which consisted of underwater treadmill and therapeutic exercise.

Bella did a fantastic job with her therapies, which built muscle mass and strengthened her left rear leg! After her program was finished, she continued coming once weekly for underwater treadmill as part of our maintenance club. Unfortunately Bella had a setback and became lame on her right rear leg. Bella went to see Dr. Paula West at Veterinary Specialty Center where she was diagnosed with a right CCL tear.

Until Bella was able to have surgery, she came weekly for a pre-hab program which consisted of massage and laser sessions. Following her TPLO surgery, Bella returned to IPC for more underwater treadmill sessions. Christy was also taught more advanced exercises to do at home.

“IPC has helped Bella heal- strengthening her legs, knees and back, but they’ve also helped give me the confidence & knowledge to maintain her wellness outside of her visits.” -Christy, Bella’s mom

Christy also gave us a glimpse into Bella’s day which starts when she’s woken up too early by her annoying little sister, Laken. The rest of her day is filled with walks, naps, toys, treats and fun! Her ears are matted from her sister chewing on them but she loves the attention and will seek it out if being ignored.

“Bella has had the BEST attitude from the moment I met her – always willing to try something new, and always excited to be here! She’s worked really hard both at IPC and at home to regain her strength and rebuild muscle, especially when treats are involved. It’s been such a pleasure to watch her progress – I love our sessions together!” -Lindsey, Bella’s therapist

Make a difference!

Each month we ask our POTM to choose an animal related organization to spotlight during his or her “reign”. Bella has asked us to tell you about As Good As Gold.

As Good as Gold – Golden Retriever Rescue of Illinois is dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of Golden Retrievers and golden mixes who are in need.

Timmy

“We got Timmy from M.O.P.S. Pug Rescue and Adoption (a Chicago area pug rescue) in December 2014 when he was about to turn 10. I first saw him when they did a Facebook post asking for funds to help pay vet bills for two new pugs they had taken in. There was just something about him, I couldn’t stop thinking about him. Over the next week I kept going back and looking at his PetFinder profile and then finally submitted an application. I had another pug, Violet, and was a little worried about how she would feel about it, but M.O.P.S. felt that it would be a good fit (after asking a lot of questions about her and meeting her at the home visit) and they were right! It was love at first sniff.” – Christina, Timmy’s mom

Christina first came to Integrative Pet Care with her other Pug Violet after she tore a knee ligament, so she knew just the place to bring Timmy for his mobility issues. Timmy was dragging his rear legs and couldn’t walk very far. A rehabilitation program was prescribed by Dr. Megan Ridley and he grew stronger and was able to go on longer(ish) walks. Unfortunately they returned about a year ago when he started having trouble walking again, this time due to neurological issues.

Christina feels that weekly therapies have slowed down his declining mobility and helps manage his pain, but it also gives Timmy some fun every week! “I love, love, love working with Timmy! He’s really started enjoying his sessions and works hard for his treats” says his therapist Laura.

“IPC has also been extremely helpful in giving me suggestions how to manage day to day issues with his changing mobility.” -Christina

Timmy was recently fitted for a cart and we were all unsure how he’d adapt. Well, he blew us out of the water when he got in zoomed away! “Within the first two minutes of using a cart he was running gleefully around the office! He’s had no trouble adjusting too it. He loves to be out and about and to take long sniffy walks, and the cart means he gets to keep doing both. I’m really impressed with how much he can do in his carts, curbs and sidewalk bumps are no problem and he can turn on a dime. We call him the pugdozer in it because nothing gets in his way or slows him down!” -Christina

Christina gave us a little glimpse into Timmy’s daily life: “Weekdays are mostly about napping, walking around the neighborhood, and snuggling. But on weekends, Timmy loves to be out and about. He’s often out snackie shopping, doing errands, checking out other parts of the city, and traveling. You can see his adventures on IG/Twitter/FB at @TimmyOPug.”

M.O.P.S. Pug Rescue & Adoption is a Non-Profit 501c3 Company who has a group of volunteers dedicated to the welfare of pure bred pug dogs. M.O.P.S. works with Animal Shelters, Owner Relinquishments and Stray Pure Bred Pugs, fostering them until they are ready for their new homes

NIPRA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that exists to assist the community in placing any needy Pug dog in a permanent, loving home. All adoption fees and donations go solely for the rescue, care, and placement of mistreated, unwanted or homeless Pugs.